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Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Samford University, Birmingham, AL
Master of Divinity, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC
Doctor of Ministry, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, LA
Family: Married to the former Anita McCaghren of Danville, Alabama, June 6, 1981
Daughter, Leah Miller Simpson of McMinnville, TN | Son-in-law, Casey Simpson
Grandson, Casey John Simpson II, born November 30, 2012
Granddaughter, Anna Lee Fayeth Simpson, born September 16, 2014
What I love about First Baptist Church: What I love about FBCC is that this is a family of believers who genuinely love God and love each other. This is why I’ve been here since 1992! FBCC is a loving, caring, forgiving, encouraging, and empowering group of people. When you have a need, they are there for you. They will pray for you, believe in you, and enable you to reach your fullest potential in Christ. This is what church is all about. We are far from being a perfect church, but we are earnestly striving together to become more like Jesus and to share his love with a broken world.
Hometown: I was born in Red Bay, AL, lived for several years in Anniston, AL, and consider Decatur, AL my home town. I graduated from Austin High School in Decatur in 1978.
Best childhood memories: It’s difficult to choose just one. I enjoyed playing sports as a kid, especially baseball and football. I later learned to enjoy tennis and golf. There are a lot of great memories connected to those sports. More importantly, I was blessed to grow up in a home with loving and supportive parents. I never had to wonder if my parents loved me or whether I was a priority in their lives. I always knew that, and it gave me a great deal of stability and assurance during my formative years. I also had the privilege of participating in a loving and supportive church family. They taught me the importance of fellowship and worship and learning more about God’s Word and His will for my life. I remember publically professing my faith in Christ and being baptized. I later shared my calling into the gospel ministry with my church family. It’s hard to describe just how much their love and support have meant to me through the years.
Favorite Bible verse: Of course, John 3:16 is everybody’s favorite because it summarizes the Good News so well. I also have a few others:
Mt. 11:28: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. I like this verse because it reminds us that Christ is always available when we’re tired and discouraged, to lift our burdens and to give us strength.
Mt. 28:19: Go and make disciples of all nations. I like this verse because it reminds us of our mission. God calls us to join him on his mission to spread the Good News to the ends of the earth. God loves every person in the world. Our mission is to get that message out, starting where we live.
Rev. 22:7: Behold, I am coming soon! I like this verse because it reminds us of our destiny as the people of God. No matter how tough life gets, a better day is coming for those of us who are in Christ. Life on this earth is short. It’s also temporary. One day Jesus will come again and take us to that perfect place called “heaven,” where there will be no more sadness, no more sorrow, and no more suffering. That is our hope in Christ. And that is what spurs us on to love and good deeds here and now, while we have the opportunity!
Favorite book: I wouldn’t be much of a pastor if I didn’t say the Bible, right?! Other than the Word of God, a few books I’ve recently read are The Character of Leadership by Jeff Iorg, Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Bradberry and Greaves, and Making Sense of Who God Is by Wayne Grudem. On the lighter side, I also enjoy novels, especially those by John Grisham.
Favorite food: I like all kinds of food. My Grandpa Miller used to quote Luke 10:8: “Eat what is set before you.” I guess I’ve always pretty much followed that instruction from Jesus to his disciples. In other words, I’m not a “picky” eater. That being said, I do enjoy fresh vegetables probably more than any other food. A close second would be fresh seafood, especially shrimp.
Favorite movies: I haven’t been to the movie theater all that much in recent years, except to watch a couple of Christian-oriented films. My wife and I used to go to dinner and a movie two or three times a month on our date night, but it seems not many movies have captured our imaginations lately. I prefer some of the old black-and-white films. It’s a Wonderful Life, starring Jimmy Stewart is probably my all-time favorite because it’s so uplifting and because of what it teaches, namely, that every person’s life matters.
Favorite vacation spot: I truly enjoy the outdoors and being in God’s wonderful creation. I love the mountains as well as the beach, but probably my favorite spot is Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. It’s just a special place to be up close and personal with breath-taking geological features, incredible beauty, and amazing wildlife that’s not found anyplace else. It makes me wonder about the beauty of God’s new creation in heaven.
Habit I want to quit: Late night snacking.
Hidden talent: I haven’t found it yet.
Hobby: Reading, historical documentaries, yardwork.
What music would you find on my IPOD or IPHONE: This is one of those awkward moments when I’m forced to reveal my lack of technical savvy. The fact is, I don’t have an ipod and the only music I have on my iphone is the radio. I do love music, however, and what I most listen to is contemporary Christian and seventies pop and folk. I also enjoy some blues, jazz, and bluegrass.
Proudest moment: The birth of Casey John and Anna Lee, my two grandkids.
Strangest thing I have done: I’m not prone to high-risk behavior. I haven’t done any bungee jumping or sky diving and don’t have any plans to do so in the immediate future. My biggest fear is stepping into the pulpit on a Sunday morning and forgetting my sermon. I came close to realizing that fear one Sunday several years ago. As I sat on the platform during the worship service, just before time to preach, I recognized that I had forgotten my sermon notes. Panic-stricken, I slipped out of the sanctuary while the choir sang, quickly ran to my study, found the notes on my desk, and ran back into the sanctuary just before time to preach. For me, that was a strange and scary moment!
Way to relax: See hobbies.
Weirdest thing I’ve eaten: I ate fish eyeballs while on a mission trip to Senegal, West Africa. I don’t recommend them.
What I wanted to be when I grew up: Growing up in the late sixties and early seventies, in the hey-day of NASA, every boy’s dream was to be an astronaut, and I was no exception. They were the heroes of the day! As I entered college, I had plans of going into pharmacy or optometry. Strangely enough, however, I was in the middle of a college chemistry class when I saw the light from above and heard the voice of God calling me into ministry. God knew better than I what he had made me to do, and it had nothing to do with chemistry!
Education:
Bachelor of Musical Arts, Samford University, Birmingham, AL
Master of Music, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Family: I have been married to a talented woman for 22 years, Katie. We have two awesome children, Isabella and David.
What I love about First Baptist Church: The relationships I have with our church members.
Hometown: Arley, AL
Best childhood memories: Camping in the mountains and panning for gold with my Dad.
Favorite Bible verse: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)
Favorite book: “The 5 Levels of Leadership” by John C. Maxwell
Favorite food: A BLT Sandwich made with fresh garden tomatoes!!
Favorite movies: Any of the Star Trek or Star Wars movies.
Favorite vacation spot: Disney World Orlando
Habit I want to quit: Procrastination
Hidden talent: I like to crossstich.
Hobby: Cooking
What music would you find on my IPOD or IPHONE: I love the Martins & David Phelps.
Proudest moment: When my oldest daughter was born and when our adoption of David was final.
Strangest thing I have done: Chasing a calf at a Rodeo.
Way to relax: Reading a good book on my Kindle.
Weirdest thing I’ve eaten: Chitlins
What I wanted to be when I grew up: A Chef
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, University of Alabama
Master of Divinity, Samford University, Beeson School of Divinity
Family: Wife, Elizabeth Shelton; children, Sarah Elizabeth and Drew
What I love about First Baptist Church: It’s people and commitment to missions
Hometown: Fayette, AL
Best childhood memories: Fishing with my grandfather every day after school.
Favorite Bible verse: Psalm 32:8
Favorite book: Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite movies: Goonies and Rudy
Favorite vacation spot: Orange Beach, AL
Habit I want to quit: I’ll have to get back to you on that. (Procrastination)
Hidden talent: If I told you, it wouldn’t be hidden anymore.
Hobby: Fishing, Hunting, Golf, Tennis
What music would you find on my IPOD or IPHONE: Lots of Chris Tomlin
Proudest moment: Birth of my children
Strangest thing I have done: Trying to rope a cow from a moving horse… Bad Idea!
Way to relax: Evening rides on the pontoon boat with my family
Weirdest thing I’ve eaten: Rattlesnake (It didn’t taste like chicken!)
What I wanted to be when I grew up: Chemical Engineer
Education: Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Family: Wife, Allie Preston
What I love about First Baptist Church: I love that it truly feels like we are a family. Also, I love that our church loves missions.
Hometown: Pleasant Grove, Alabama
Best childhood memories: Kids Camp, playing sports with my friends, and watching almost every Braves game with my Grandad in his recliner.
Favorite Bible verse: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Favorite book: “The Call” by David Nasser
Favorite food: Chicken Wings and Seafood
Favorite movies: Remember The Titans and anything Marvel or Star Wars.
Favorite vacation spot: The Beach or going on a cruise.
Habit I want to quit: Staying up too late.
Hidden talent: I can Yo-Yo.
Hobby: Hanging out with friends, Basketball, golf, watching my favorite sports teams. Green Bay Packers, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Braves, and… Roll Tide.
What music would you find on my IPOD or IPHONE: a bunch of NEEDTOBREATHE
Proudest moment: When Allie said yes when I asked her to marry me.
Strangest thing I have done: Dissecting a Cat
Way to relax: Listen to music by the pool.
Weirdest thing I’ve eaten: A cricket and sardines for a fear factor competition at church.
What I wanted to be when I grew up: After I realized that I was not going to be a professional athlete, it was my childhood dream to host Sportcenter.
Education:
Hoover High School
University of Montevallo-Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Choral Concentration
Family: I am married to Mark, and have two sons, Caleb and Colin
What I love about First Baptist Church: I love the people! We are truly a family, loving and caring for one another.
Hometown: Hoover, AL
Best childhood memories: Playing games with my family: basketball in the driveway, badminton in the front yard, balloon ball in the kitchen, and anything else we could make up.
Favorite Bible verse: "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3
Favorite book: The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite movies: The Sound of Music, Inside Out
Favorite vacation spot: Beach
Habit I want to quit: Biting my nails (I've quit before, but...)
Hidden talent: twirling my pen (or fork, remote, or anything else in my hands)
Hobby: Singing, playing music, reading (when I have the time)
What music would you find on my IPOD or IPHONE: Mostly Christian: Cain and We the Kingdom are currently on repeat a lot.
Proudest moment: Not really just "one" moment, but watching my boys learn and grow into the young men God created them to be.
Strangest thing I have done: We reeled in a hammerhead shark while deep sea fishing last summer...but that seems more "cool" than "strange";-)
Way to relax: Go hiking with a friend, watch movies in my PJs with hot tea
Weirdest thing I’ve eaten: probably something I ate for a game back in my youth group days:)
What I wanted to be when I grew up: Meteorologist (I'm still fascinated by all things weather)
Education:
Shelby Academy
Mitchell’s Cosmetology School
Family: I have a wonderful son named Mitchell who is married to Brooke. I am Yaya to my precious Ellie and Mallorie!
What I love about First Baptist Church: From the day I started I felt like I had been here for years!
Hometown: Towson, MD
Best childhood memories: Traveling with my grandparents!
Favorite Bible verse: Proverbs 3:5-6
Favorite book: I don’t have one.
Favorite food: Mexican
Favorite movies: Elf, The Help, Steel Magnolias & Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere with a beach!
Habit I want to quit: Worrying
Hidden talent: It’s still hiding!
Hobby: Spending time with my family, cooking & relaxing at the pool!
What music would you find on my IPOD or IPHONE: A BIG variety
Proudest moment: When I became a mom!
Strangest thing I have done: Milking a cow
Way to relax: Watch TV & look at Pinterest
Weirdest thing I’ve eaten: Blood Sausage
What I wanted to be when I grew up: Teacher & Hairdresser